A strong field has been assembled for the McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday, .
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 McNeil Stakes.
2025 McNeil Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Devil Night: SCR
2. Vinrock: Unbeaten in three starts, I think he’s the best horse in the race…but is he here to play? Jumpouts have been solid enough without jumping up and down. Is he wanting further? Time will tell. But watch betting.
3. Tycoon Star: Looked all over a winner in the Vain Stakes but wanted to duck in under pressure and threw the race away. If he does everything right, he can win…but rather see him do it than back him to do it.
4. Jimmy Recard: There was a bit to like about the win of Jimmy Recard in the Vain from two weeks ago. He got a suck run just off the speed before getting inside splits and he got better as the race went on to win and win well. Fitter and up in trip, he only runs well I say.
5. Highvol: Really nice horse and not dismissing him as a Caulfield Guineas horse. But, no jockey booked as of lunchtime Thursday tells me here he’s not running. If he does, he’s a place chance because he’ll want further.
6. McGaw: Resumes for Team Browne after a two run Autumn prep where each time he looked impressive. Jumpout work has been solid enough. Tricky gate, he’ll press on and be around the mark.
7. Sonofkirk: Sonofkirk comes through the Vain from a fortnight back. He got back to near last in the run and was never a factor, not getting a whole lot of room in the straight when a close up fourth. Racing like he will eat up 1200m and be dangerous.
8. Express Class: Thought he was an eye catcher in the Vain behind Jimmy Recard, working home with purpose when third. Debut win was clearly no fluke, so I am saying he is a must for exotics.
9. Duke Atriedes: Duke Atriedes comes here for Team Archibald off the back of an impressive win at Sandown when leading throughout and he gave nothing else a look in, winning quite impressively. Good racing style, he is one of the leading contenders.
10. Best Of The Best: Lot to like about his debut win at Sale. Progressive animal but just feel this may be a bridge too far.
2025 McNeil Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 Win on both Jimmy Recard and Sonofkirk Tote/SP
2025 McNeil Stakes Odds
2025 McNeil Stakes Speed Map
Vinrock and Duke Atriedes look the main two speed influences, with the latter, with race fitness, I dare say being the likely leader. Devil Night can show early speed but first up and with a tricky draw, he may opt for cover.
